WE all love a holiday abroad, but sometimes we forget what’s on our doorstep.
From beautiful beach towns to charming villages and incredible cities with luxury hotels to off-the-grid shepherd huts, the whole of Britain has options for every sort of staycation.
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The city of Cambridge has a beautiful river and plenty of independent shopsCredit: AlamyThe Nici Hotel is a luxury hotel in Bournemouth with an enormous swimming poolCredit: The NICI
The UK staycation is on the rise, and has no signs of slowing down – the latest holiday report from Away Resorts revealed 46 per cent of Brits are opting for a staycation over an abroad break.
Sykes Holiday Cottageshas also predicted a record high for staycations in 2026, reporting that bookings made in January are up 9 per cent year-on-year.
The conflict in Iran is also another factor when it comes to booking a break this year.
Data from Barclay’s has found that spending on travel agents has dropped 4.6 per cent, while airline spending was down 4.1 per cent.
Spending on UK hotels and resorts was up 1.2 per cent.
So, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next staycation, check out these 12 destinations that are Sun Travel’s wish list for 2026…
Nici Hotel, Bournemouth
“One of my favourite places in the US is Miami – so when I heard there was a hotel in the UK compared to it, I’ve been intrigued ever since.
“The Nici, in Bournemouth, is nothing like the Bournemouth I knew growing up when visiting my grandparents.
“There’s a bright blue water swimmingpool lined with pearly white sunloungers and flamingos, while palm tree designs and plants are everywhere too.
“I’m dying to eat at their South Beach restaurant too – the scallops and tuna tartare sounds delicious, as well as the ‘lost luggage’ signature cocktail list.” – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
Fort William, Scotland
“The higher you go, the better the views… surely? At least that’s what I’ll be telling myself when I eventually attempt to climb the tallest mountain in the UK, Ben Nevis.
“Towering a mighty 1,345 metres above sea level, this craggy peak trumps both Snowdonia in Wales and the Lake District’s Scafell Pike. Much of Scotland remains so rugged and unspoilt that the landscape in these parts feels somewhat otherworldly – which certainly adds to the appeal.
“It supposedly takes between seven and nine hours to reach the summit, meaning I could spend the remainder of my Scotland trip rewarding my efforts with whisky from the Ben Nevis Distillery, in Fort William.
“The distilling process incorporates the purest water that has trickled down from that very mountain, adding an earthy flavour to the spirit.” – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
“The house itself is considered Britain’s original smart home and it sits in a beautiful estate with pine forests, lakes and an enchanting rickety bridge.
“Plus, I’m a huge fan of Jurassic World – the house was used to film the second film in the franchise with when it became Lockwood Manor, starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.
“There’s even a cottage on the site of the mansion to stay in – it looks quintessentially English with a little fireplace in the cosy lounge.”
“The National Trust house is also 30-minutes away from pretty coastal villages like Alnmouth and the town of Amble.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Cragside is a National Trust property in Northumberland and was used to film Jurassic WorldCredit: Alamy
Here are even more of our favourite UK seaside towns…
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Sidmouth, Devon Take a trip to Sidmouth on the Jurassic Coast and wander down Jacob’s Ladder to its pretty shingle beach. Make sure to walk along the promenade and check out the independent shops and boutiques. Stay at the four-star Harbour Hotel for sea views and traditional afternoon tea from £135 per room.
Whitby, North Yorkshire With a history of sailors and vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi, it takes a lot to beat Whitby. Pop in the amusements, eat award-winning fish and chips, and board the all-singing Captain Cook boat tour on the harbour. The Royal Hotel overlooks the harbour with stays from just £68 per room.
Old Hunstanton, Norfolk This town has some of the best beach walks beside striped limestone cliffs, a Victorian lighthouse and 13th century ruins. The beach has golden sands with rolling dunes and colourful beach huts, backed by a pretty pinewood forest. Stay at a beachfront hotel from £100 per room.
Seahouses, Northumberland This is an authentic British seaside break, with fishing boats bobbing on its pretty harbour and fresh catches of the day to enjoy in local restaurants. There’s no flashing arcades here, but there’s a great beach with rockpools, boat trips, and you may even spot a grey seal, too. Treat yourself to a stay at the Bamburgh Castle Inn from £129 per room.
Scotland is home to the highest mountain in the UK, Ben NevisCredit: Alamy
Bluestone, Pembrokeshire
“Having written about it for several years now, I’m very keen to check out Bluestone in Wales – which many people say is a better, cheaper version of Center Parcs.
“I’m particularly interested in staying here because it has the best of both worlds for my son and I – the blue lagoon water park and indoor adventure park for him, the spa and the walks in the surrounding Pembrokeshire Coast National Park for me.
“I know that they are particularly proud of their Christmas offering, but I love Wales in the early autumn.
“When the leaves start to fall and the pubs get particularly cosy, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing long weekend.” – Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital)
Ventnor, Isle of Wight
“Trendy Ventnor in the Isle of Wight is high up on my wish list for a UK staycation this year.
“Charles Dickens is even known to have declared the town ‘the prettiest place I ever saw in my life, at home or abroad’.
“Such high praise is reason enough for me to want to go and check it out – but as it turns out there is plenty more to V-Town.
“The seaside town is known for its thriving creative scene, with top-tier theatre, comedy and arts festivals. Ventnor Carnival is the second oldest carnival in the UK, and sees the town light up with colourful floats, costumes and performances.
“When it comes to somewhere to stay, The Royal Hotel was built in 1832 and was loved by Queen Victoria – plus its got a gorgeous pool and gardens to make use of if you visit in the summer time.
“And I’d treat myself to a meal in The Elderflower and Aquitania, too, for a delicious Michelin-star dinner.” – Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter
Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
“Last year I ticked off Oxford, so it only seems right that this year I tick off Cambridge.
“Known for its historic university, often ranked one of the best in the world, Cambridge is the ideal day trip or city escape from London, just 49 minutes from London King’s Cross.
“As a big fan of architecture, I can’t wait to see the historic buildings scattered around the city as well as go punting on the River Cam.
“I’m also such a sucker for shopping local, so heading down the different cobbled lanes dipping in and out of independent shops sounds like a dream.” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Scilly Isles, Cornwall
“The Scilly Isles, a short ferry ride from Penzance in Cornwall, are sometimes overlooked by wildlife lovers for more exotic and far-flung destinations.
“But marine life absolutely thrives in these parts. Puffins are top of my animal wish list and now is the best time to see them, with the orange-beaked birds arriving on the coastal cliffs in April to nest before returning to the waters in July.
“The best way to see them is on a boat trip sailing around the uninhabited island of Annet – you may even get to see dolphins, whales and grey seals, too.
“The Scillies are completely car-free and camping and glamping spots are aplenty.
“I like the idea of a cosy shepherd’s hut with a roaring log burner and plenty of windows overlooking rustic scenery.” – Sophie Swietochowski, Assistant Travel Editor
York has winding streets that were said to inspired Harry Potter’s Diagon AlleyCredit: AlamyCharles Dickens called Ventnor on the Isle of Wight ‘the prettiest place’ he’s ever seenCredit: Alamy
York, North Yorkshire
“Having grown up near the Devonshire Street, which is thought to have inspired Diagon Alley in Harry Potter, I have always been intrigued by the city that also claims fame via the Harry Potter series.
“If you haven’t guessed it, it is York. The association is primarily due to The Shambles, a medieval street boasting wizard-themed shops and themed walking tours.
“As a lover of all things witchy, I am also intrigued to see if the city lives up to its reputation as one of the most haunted cities in Europe.” – Cyann Fielding, Travel Reporter
Clovelly, Devon
“A countryside girl at heart, I love visiting little villages and Clovelly is one of the best. It was even formerly owned by the Queen of England.
“It has pretty cobbled streets and stone cottages that are hundreds of years old. The restored walled Court Gardens are open all year round filled with flowers and greenery.
“The village is completely car free and donkeys were once used as their mode of transport. Now, the donkeys are settled in their stables at the top of the hill and tourists are free to visit Rex, Bert, Ernie and Alfred.
“I love the idea of staying in the local inn called The Red Lion Hotel in a room overlooking the harbour.
“Unlike other villages around the country, you actually need to pay a fee to enter that all goes towards preserving its charm.” – Alice Penwill, Travel Reporter
Lake District, Cumbria
“I’m keen to take my son on more outdoor adventures this year and where better to start than the Lake District?
“As the UK’s largest park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it feels like the perfect place to introduce a seven year old to enjoyable but easygoing hikes.
“But it’s also exceptionally child-friendly. We’ll start on Windermere and Bowness, making sure to check to take one of the kayaks on the lake, as well as a visit to The World of Beatrix Potter, and Brockhole on Windermere, with its adventure playground and treetop adventure.
“I’m also very keen on the alpaca walks around the stunning grounds of The Lingholm Estate. I’ve heard some great things about a few of the campsites, including Castlerigg Hall and the National Trust’s Low Wray Campsite.
“But I’d also be hoping for a couple of nights at the lovely Storrs Hall hotel on Lake Windermere.” – Caroline McGuire, Head of Sun Travel (Digital)
The holiday park Bluestone in Wales has a huge waterparkCredit: Unknown
Buxton, Derbyshire
“I grew up in the Cotswolds, so my love of a pretty town is built deep into my DNA. And one on my list to visit this year is the spa town of Buxton, famed for its geothermal springs.
“Similar to Bath, it even has its own Buxton crescent of houses, and wellness spa with thermal pools.
“It’s set to have a multi-million makeover with new bars, shops and restaurants, so there’s no time better to visit. I’d definitely be choosing to stay at the Buxton Crescent Hotel too, owned by Champneys.” – Kara Godfrey, Deputy Travel Editor
“I’d first set out on a hike to Fair Head – a huge, dramatic cliff where rugged walking paths lead to breath-taking views over the waters of Murlough Bay.
“Then I’d head to Ursa Minor Bakehouse for a well-deserved snack to re-fuel – their freshly-baked pastries are slow fermented and made with nourishing whole grains.
“A visit to Ballycastle isn’t complete without a trip to the beach – I’d make sure to visit Ballycastle Beach, and take some sunset pictures at Pans Rock bridge, too.
“I’d also use Ballycastle as a base to tick off some spectacular nearby sights on the Antrim Coast. Here you’re only 10 minutes away from Carrick-a-Rede, the historic rope bridge suspended above the Atlantic.
“Plus it’s easy to take the ferry from here to Rathlin Island, where you can spot puffins perched atop its cliffs, or see seals poke their noses out from the water.” Jenna Stevens, Travel Reporter
BRITS’ favourite things about a staycation include shorter travel times, avoiding the airport – and proper pub lunches.
Supporting the local economy, the beautiful green countryside and taking scenic drives also featured in the top 30.
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The study found 62 per cent think the best type of staycation is a ’coastal getaway’
For 28 per cent, the stunning coastlines are the best thing about staying in the UK, with over a third (35 per cent) of Brits claiming they would prefer to holiday on home turf over going abroad.
Unsurprisingly, 78 per cent felt the weather could make or break a holiday in the UK.
Eurig Druce, managing director of Vauxhall, which commissioned the research of 2,000 adults, said: “The UK is such a wonderful place to holiday, and it’s been great finding out why people love it so much.
“Everyone has memories of holidaying in the UK from their childhood, and more than ever, Brits are choosing ‘staycations’ over going abroad, whether that be because of the beautiful scenery on our doorstep or the comfort of travelling in your own car.”
The study also found 62 per cent think the best type of staycation is a ’coastal getaway’, but 50 per cent also love a city break and 28 per cent enjoy camping or glamping.
With the south west of England considered the best place to get away for 21 per cent, followed by Scotland (15 per cent) and Wales (11 per cent).
The car is the most common mode of transport (80 per cent) for Brits going on holiday in the UK, with the average person travelling just under 206 miles.
It also emerged those polled, via OnePoll.com, are willing to spend an average of £391.11 per trip.
Although, 50 per cent said rising travel costs have made them more likely to holiday within the British borders.
The research also found 15 per cent have been asked by their children to be more environmentally friendly when planning their trips, and one in 10 (nine per cent) said sustainability is a priority for them when booking.
And of the electric vehicle drivers polled, 77 per cent said having charging points at their accommodation is important.
Eurig Druce from Vauxhall added: “The Grandland Electric has been designed with families in mind, with a spacious interior, large boot and an electric range of over 300 miles, making it the ideal vehicle for a ‘staycation.’
“Whether it is stunning coastlines, rural escapes or bustling city centres, the home nations have some fantastic places on offer for people to enjoy.”
THE TOP 30 THINGS BRITS LOVE ABOUT STAYCATIONS 1. Stunning coastlines 2. Shorter travel times 3. Visiting historical landmarks 4. Green countryside 5. Avoiding the airport experience 6. Woodland walks 7. Fish and chips 8. Learning more about the UK 9. Proper pub lunches 10. Taking scenic drives 11. Feeling refreshed 12. No luggage restrictions 13. Taking the dog 14. Full English breakfasts 15. Staying in unique places 16. Wildlife watching 17. Supporting local independent shops 18. Watching the sunset 19. Everything in a language you understand 20. Familiar shops and produce 21. Ice cream 22. Not having to worry about exchange rates 23. Live music 24. The people 25. Amusement arcades 26. Local festivals 27. Farmers’ markets and local produce 28. Proper tea 29. Trying regional dishes 30. Sleeping in without the guilt of missing the day
50 per cent said rising travel costs have made them more likely to holiday within the British borders.Credit: matt howell
Brits have shared the top 30 things they love most about staycations as more and more choose to stay at home instead of going abroad
Families are choosing to stay in the UK and embrace holidays only a short drive away(Image: Matt Howell)
Brits’ favourite things about a staycation include shorter travel times, avoiding the airport – and proper pub lunches. A poll of 2,000 adults revealed over a third of Brits would prefer to holiday on home turf than go abroad. In addition, rising travel costs have made 50% of Brits more likely to holiday at home.
Nevertheless, many enjoy the opportunity to visit the countryside and take in scenic drives. For 28%, the stunning coastlines are the best thing about staying in the UK, with 62% saying the best type of staycation is a ’coastal getaway’. This was followed by 50% who love a city break and 28% who enjoy camping or glamping.
Eurig Druce, managing director of Vauxhall, which commissioned the research, said: “The UK is such a wonderful place to holiday, and it’s been great finding out why people love it so much.
“Everyone has memories of holidaying in the UK from their childhood, and more than ever, Brits are choosing ‘staycations’ over going abroad, whether that be because of the beautiful scenery on our doorstep or the comfort of travelling in your own car.”
The south west of England was considered the best place to get away for 21%, followed by Scotland (15%) and Wales (11%).
It emerged those polled, via OnePoll.com, are willing to spend an average of £391.11 per trip. And the only potential downside was that 78% felt the weather could make or break a holiday in the UK.
The car is the most common mode of transport (80%) with the average person travelling just under 206 miles. Of the electric vehicle drivers polled, 77% said having charging points at their accommodation is important.
The research found 15% have been asked by their children to be more environmentally friendly when planning their trips, and one in 10 said sustainability is a priority for them when booking.
Eurig Druce from Vauxhall added: “The Grandland Electric has been designed with families in mind, with a spacious interior, large boot and an electric range of over 300 miles, making it the ideal vehicle for a ‘staycation.’
“Whether it is stunning coastlines, rural escapes or bustling city centres, the home nations have some fantastic places on offer for people to enjoy.”
